It recently rained in Southern California for seven days straight and the Canyon View/Grotto Trail is an exciting hike to try for views of several waterfalls. The sky was so clear that the Pacific Ocean and many of the Santa Barbara Islands were visible.

This hike is an upside down hike meaning that you start downhill and hike uphill on the return trip. The hike is about 4 miles round trip and should take between 3-4 hours to complete. The Elevation Gain is 700 feet. The trailhead is located directly across Yerba Buena Road from the Sandstone Peak trailhead parking lot. Sandstone Peak is also an awesome hike.

First you will hike down a canyon to a fork in the trail near the first large waterfall. This fork is where the Circle X Ranch visitors area is located. Veer right for restrooms and take a left passing a waterfall and heading downhill through a wooded canyon. Ahead you may see the "weeping" hillside depending on the amount of water in the canyon.

Later you will walk uphill into a large meadow. Next descend downhill from the meadow and you will be able to see two waterfalls to your left if facing downhill. The Canyon View trail continues through several creek crossings and an Oak forest. You may even see a large amount of ladybugs as I did.

After about 0.6 miles you will head into a rocky canyon with huge boulders. After carefully climbing down some boulders and/or a large tree you can access the underground waterfall known as "The Grotto" area. Although this hike has plenty of shade make sure to bring plenty of water or use a water filter to drink from the creek (The creek is often dry in the Summer). I used a Katadyn Hiker Microfilter. This hike is great at anytime of year but best after some rain to view the many small and large waterfalls along the trail.

To get there: From the 101 freeway head west to Kanan Dume Road in the city of Agoura Hills. Take the road south (towards the beach). In about 5 miles turn right on Mulholland Highway, In about one mile the road forks. Head left onto Encinal Canyon Road. Follow this road for 2 miles Turn right at Decker Road aka Hwy 23. Turn left (west) at Mulholland Highway. Just a short distance ahead turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon Road. The road changes to Yerba Buena Road. Take this road for 2.5 more miles and park at the Sandstone Peak Trailhead. The Canyon View Trailhead is directly across the street (Yerba Buena Road) from the parking lot.